BIDOR, Perak, 14 SEPTEMBER 2019 

Reforestation and AEON has close association as AEON first embarked on transforming an ex-mining area in Bidor by planting trees in 2014. Today, in heralding AEON CO. (M) BHD.’s 35th anniversary, AEON in collaboration with the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) will transform the abandon land by planting 10,000 trees in Bidor, Perak. This initiative is part of the AEON Preservation and Biodiversity – Reforestations & Rehabilitation Project.

AEON spearheaded this initiative to contribute to FRIM’s continuous effort in rehabilitating and re-greening the ex-tin mine area. The reforestation effort is rooted to create a lasting impact in the area in line with AEON’s principle – “Peace, People and Community”. The initiative is a way to give back to the future generation, and is in line with AEON’s anniversary. A total of 35 different species of forest trees were planted in order to maintain and preserve the ecosystem of the area.

Speaking at the event, Mr Shinobu Washizawa, Managing Director of AEON CO. (M) BHD. said, “We wish to give the local community a successfully rehabilitated area with various species that is able to transform the area and act as an education site for the future generation. This will take time to achieve. But if we do not start now, there will be nothing left for the future generation to enjoy. Tree planting initiatives have always been a strong commitment of AEON as we believe in leaving a better world behind for the future.”

This effort is a tradition to preserve and protect the environment and the surrounding ecosystem. Besides that, it will support the reforestation efforts in a former mining area that covers a whopping 67.9 hectares. This in return, will provide a lowland, biodiversity depository that provides nature recreation and educational activities for the children.

The reforestation initiative was graced by the presence of YBM Tengku Zulpuri Shah Bin Raja Puji, YB Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs and YBhg Datuk Iskandar Sarudin, Chairman of AEON CO. (M) BHD.

The reforestation initiative with FRIM which first kicked off in 2014 earmarked AEON’s pledge to plant 30,000 trees. To date, AEON has green the baron mining land by planting 18,000 species.

The tree planting activity also witnessed the participation of around 1000 people consisting of the State Executive Counsellors, representatives from government agencies both federal and local, 350 volunteers from Japan, 200 AEON Customers, 200 children from 5 schools in the surrounding area and delegates from AEON.

YBhg. Datuk Iskandar bin Sarudin, Chairman of AEON CO. (M) BHD. said, “It is really exciting to be a part of this event as we are leaving something behind for the future generation. It is breathtaking to witness everyone and the local community come together, for the greater good of our future as we preserve this environment. We can look back on this, years from now, and see the fruits of our labor growing and enriching the earth.”

“AEON CO. as the leading retailer has contributed immensely towards the retail industry. Today, in conjunction with the 35th anniversary, AEON continues to raise awareness among the community that it is committed and this is reflected in its on-going mission to assert the importance of environment protection and conservation. This augurs well with its success in having planted 500,000 trees to date in Malaysia.” concluded YBhg. Datuk Iskandar.

AEON’s tree planting initiative is now in Phase 2, with Phase 1 carried out during the 30th Anniversary 5 years ago with 8,000 trees planted on 6 hectares of land. This year AEON is also collaborating with various agencies, namely, the Ministry of Water, Land and Natural Resources, the Perak state government, and the AEON Environmental Foundation Japan.

Currently, AEON leads the way in plating trees as the first tree planting activity started back in the year 1991 in lieu with its first store opening in Melaka. Globally, AEON has planted 11 million trees.